Rehabilitation and Current Research
Rehabilitation of stroke patients should focus on returning pre-stroke functional abilities. Stem cell research may hold the key to a permanent cure.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of the patient who has suffered a stroke is of vital importance. It should focus on returning most of the pre-stroke functional abilities of the patient. Stroke involves the permanent loss of brain cells. Therefore it may not be possible for the patient to return to a normal life. Some of the methods of rehabilitation involve the following-
- Physical therapy to improve the patient’s strength to regain mobility. This can be continued at home.
- Speech therapy to improve speech
- Occupational therapy to regain the best use of arms and also to improve co-ordination skills
If you suspect someone is suffering a stroke instruct them to do the following-
- Ask them to smile/lift up both hands/speak something
- If they are unable to do any of these please get immediate medical help
- Meanwhile, make the affected person to lie down flat to promote optimum flow of blood to brain
- If drowsy or nauseous, the person should be made to lie on the side to prevent chocking should he vomit
- Once the symptoms of stroke sets in, it is better not to administer aspirin to the patient.
Current Research
The morbidity and mortality associated with stroke patients has led to a lot ofresearch being done to revolutionize its treatment.
New drugs are being synthesized that will help dissolve clots. Drugs are being designed that will help to slow the degeneration process in the oxygen –depleted nerve cells.Â
Stem cell research is also actively trying to zero in on a method that will replace brain cells permanently damaged by stroke.
